Hong Kong Customs seized about 1 100 items of suspected counterfeit sports footwear and children's clothing with an estimated market value of about $800,000 at Shenzhen Bay Control Point, in Tsuen Wan and in Tsing Yi from October 28 to November 1. Three persons were arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on October 28 intercepted an incoming truck at Shenzhen Bay Control Point and seized a batch of suspected counterfeit sports shoes and children's clothes, with an estimated market value of about $80,000, inside the truck. The 61-year-old male driver was arrested.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers took enforcement action on October 29 and November 1. A storehouse cum packing centre of suspected counterfeit sports footwear at an industrial unit in Tsuen Wan and a storehouse of suspected counterfeit children's clothing at an industrial unit in Tsing Yi were raided. About 700 items of suspected counterfeit sports shoes and about 70 items of suspected counterfeit children's clothes, with an estimated market value of about $720,000, were further seized. Two women, aged 25 and 35, suspected to be connected to the case were arrested.
Upon initial investigation, it was suspected that the two arrested women had created dedicated pages and accounts on online social platforms to sell counterfeit goods to local customers and had rented the industrial units to store and pack the goods.
Investigation is ongoing and the three arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods from reputable shops or websites and to check with the trademark owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt, in order to avoid purchasing counterfeit goods.
Customs also reminds online sellers not to sell counterfeit goods and to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, November 3, 2021
